Patio
Measure patio area and dig to around 150mm, deep enough to accommodate the sub-base, mortar and slab.
Fill the plot with sub-base and compact with a compactor plate. Make sure that the base is 100mm deep when compacted.
Prepare a 3:1 mortar mix with sharp sand and lay 40mm deep where the first slab will be placed. Gently set the slab into place, tapping with a rubber mallet until level and set about 15mm into the mortar. Repeat for the other slabs, putting spacers between to leave around 10mm for jointing.
Once all slabs have been placed spray the whole patio with water and leave for at least 24 hours to set.
Fill the gaps with mortar, cleaning off any excess and ensuring a smooth finish. However setting mortar in heavy rain can be an issue. Proprietary jointing mixes such as Geo-Fix All Weather have been designed to work in place of standard mortar, even if the weather turns.
